It's still in the box, but working out how to plug-in and make best use of it. Though of course it's a music streamer (supports lots of formats with the latest Slimserver) it also has digital inputs so can take a CD and other devices.
More info as it comes.
2007/01/15
Sandisk V-Mate
The Sandisk V-Mate arrived today, it's a little unit with external plug-PSU that connects to a video source and TV.
It only supports composite video, so quality will never be amazing, but as it's designed to work with portable players (like Sandisk's Sansa range or Sony's PSP) that should be too important.
It records to multiple memory card formats (Memory Stick Duo, SD Card, MicroSD etc) in various video codecs and formats: -
Codecs: MPEG-4 Simple Profile, H.263
Formats: MP4, 3GP, 3G2
Resolution: Up to 640x480 pixels
Frame Rate: Up to 30fps
TV Formats: NTSC & PAL
Depending on the which format and resolution is chosen it can store up to 3.5hours of video per GB.
It also has an IR emitter which can be used to change channel on a set-top-box or other video source.
It's a quirky thing but with the flood of video compatible portable players it could have a relatively big market - allowing users to watch programs they've missed on their daily commute.
US pricing is $129, so about £100 over in the UK.
It only supports composite video, so quality will never be amazing, but as it's designed to work with portable players (like Sandisk's Sansa range or Sony's PSP) that should be too important.
It records to multiple memory card formats (Memory Stick Duo, SD Card, MicroSD etc) in various video codecs and formats: -
Codecs: MPEG-4 Simple Profile, H.263
Formats: MP4, 3GP, 3G2
Resolution: Up to 640x480 pixels
Frame Rate: Up to 30fps
TV Formats: NTSC & PAL
Depending on the which format and resolution is chosen it can store up to 3.5hours of video per GB.
It also has an IR emitter which can be used to change channel on a set-top-box or other video source.
It's a quirky thing but with the flood of video compatible portable players it could have a relatively big market - allowing users to watch programs they've missed on their daily commute.
US pricing is $129, so about £100 over in the UK.
2007/01/12
Craigsnumber:: Auto expiring. FREE anonymous phone numbers for online safety.
Craigsnumber:: Auto expiring. FREE anonymous phone numbers for online safety.
Information about the site is almost non-available, the owner is not saying anything until their lawyer has given them the ok.
It allows a temporary number allocation that will re-direct to another number. You can then publish the Craigsnumber on listing sites (like Craigslist). After a time the number will expire.
Craigslist offer this now but for Email addresses, this adds the ability to publish an anonymous phone number too.
Numbers can be selected to expire after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month. You can pick an area code in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Pheonix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
You then get a number and extension which you can publish and will be redirected to your number (which you also enter).
Craigslist and Craigsnumber are unrelated.
Information about the site is almost non-available, the owner is not saying anything until their lawyer has given them the ok.
It allows a temporary number allocation that will re-direct to another number. You can then publish the Craigsnumber on listing sites (like Craigslist). After a time the number will expire.
Craigslist offer this now but for Email addresses, this adds the ability to publish an anonymous phone number too.
Numbers can be selected to expire after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month. You can pick an area code in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Pheonix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
You then get a number and extension which you can publish and will be redirected to your number (which you also enter).
Craigslist and Craigsnumber are unrelated.
2007/01/11
Belkin PureAV HDMI Interface 3-to-1 Video Switch | Reg Hardware
Belkin PureAV HDMI Interface 3-to-1 Video Switch | Reg Hardware
My review on El Reg. Nice little unit, recommended.
My review on El Reg. Nice little unit, recommended.
2007/01/09
Apple - QuickTime - Macworld 2007 Keynote
Apple - QuickTime - Macworld 2007 Keynote
Well it would be nice to watch it, but "Due to exceptional demand" it's currently unavailable, all those journos trying to get a scoop on the iPhone, maybe a few potential customers too.
It seems Apple's share price has jumped 3% on the announcement.
Well it would be nice to watch it, but "Due to exceptional demand" it's currently unavailable, all those journos trying to get a scoop on the iPhone, maybe a few potential customers too.
It seems Apple's share price has jumped 3% on the announcement.
Apple - iPhone
Apple - iPhone
Apple have at least announced the iPhone, though it's not available as such - it's not even FCC certified, but that's probably deliberate as most preliminary phone data comes from people monitoring FCC certification submission documents.
Not available until Q4 in the UK.
It runs MacOS X, how close that is to MacOS X on the desktop is debatable, though there's no reason it cant run the Mach kernel and BSD OS on top. Swap the Aqua interface for a phone version.
It comes with Email, Browsing, Phone and iPod apps, then there's what look like Dashboard widgets for everything else (or maybe Leopard's equivalent). There's also Google maps pre-installed.
Quad band GSM/GPRS with EDGE support on Sprint. 4G and 8GB versions for $499 and $599 respectiviely.
3.5" widescreen which is touch sensitive, 320 x 480 resolution. Also accelerometers to sense which way around it is to align the screen in the right direction. It's also position sensitive so the screen and display are turned off when it's near your ear (i.e. when using as a normal phone).
It looks extremely stylish and it's bound to be the phone of 2007.
Apple have at least announced the iPhone, though it's not available as such - it's not even FCC certified, but that's probably deliberate as most preliminary phone data comes from people monitoring FCC certification submission documents.
Not available until Q4 in the UK.
It runs MacOS X, how close that is to MacOS X on the desktop is debatable, though there's no reason it cant run the Mach kernel and BSD OS on top. Swap the Aqua interface for a phone version.
It comes with Email, Browsing, Phone and iPod apps, then there's what look like Dashboard widgets for everything else (or maybe Leopard's equivalent). There's also Google maps pre-installed.
Quad band GSM/GPRS with EDGE support on Sprint. 4G and 8GB versions for $499 and $599 respectiviely.
3.5" widescreen which is touch sensitive, 320 x 480 resolution. Also accelerometers to sense which way around it is to align the screen in the right direction. It's also position sensitive so the screen and display are turned off when it's near your ear (i.e. when using as a normal phone).
It looks extremely stylish and it's bound to be the phone of 2007.
2007/01/08
oqo
oqo have release the OQO model O2. It now has a VIA processor up to 1.5GHz, upto 1GB RAM and a 60GB disk.
The model O1 was a nice unit, but under powered, with only 512MB of RAM and a 30GB disk and a 1GHz Transmeta CPU.
It comes with Windows XP or Tablet edition 2005 and an option of Office 2007 Business Edition. It has WiFi (802.11a/b/g) and Bluetooth 2.0 and US customers have an option of a built-in EV-DO module with a Sprint contract. Customers who purchase now get a free upgrade to Vista later this year, though not all of Vista's premium features are supported (like Aero).
Maybe this unit will actually be useful.
The model O1 was a nice unit, but under powered, with only 512MB of RAM and a 30GB disk and a 1GHz Transmeta CPU.
It comes with Windows XP or Tablet edition 2005 and an option of Office 2007 Business Edition. It has WiFi (802.11a/b/g) and Bluetooth 2.0 and US customers have an option of a built-in EV-DO module with a Sprint contract. Customers who purchase now get a free upgrade to Vista later this year, though not all of Vista's premium features are supported (like Aero).
Maybe this unit will actually be useful.
2007/01/04
BT doesn't want broadband universal service obligations
BT is making noises about Universal Service Obligations for broadband, it's saying their not needed as broadband is available to most of the population.
It may be a case of smoke and mirrors as when they actually launch their 21CN it's all IP based, meaning IP to the home - which requires broadband (or some kind of IP connectivity). They'll need a wireless solution if they have to provide IP everywhere in the UK (rural areas wont work with DSL - well they will but slowly and Ofcom are likely to define reasonably high speed).
BT actually want to be able to provide high speed access as then they can provide VoIP and Video services (BT Vision) and to guarantee any kind of Quality of Service (QoS) BT want others to use their systems to deliver the content and so pay for the delivery channel (like Sky in the satellite world).
It's likely they want to provide it to customers who are profitable, rather than being forced to provide it to all and sundry even if they never spend a penny on the value add services BT will be pushing.
It may be a case of smoke and mirrors as when they actually launch their 21CN it's all IP based, meaning IP to the home - which requires broadband (or some kind of IP connectivity). They'll need a wireless solution if they have to provide IP everywhere in the UK (rural areas wont work with DSL - well they will but slowly and Ofcom are likely to define reasonably high speed).
BT actually want to be able to provide high speed access as then they can provide VoIP and Video services (BT Vision) and to guarantee any kind of Quality of Service (QoS) BT want others to use their systems to deliver the content and so pay for the delivery channel (like Sky in the satellite world).
It's likely they want to provide it to customers who are profitable, rather than being forced to provide it to all and sundry even if they never spend a penny on the value add services BT will be pushing.
Apple predictions for MacWorld 2007
Apple are very secret about future products, however some things are known.
* There's the iTV (codeword, not product name) system - which looks like an embedded iTunes player with various media interfaces.
* There's going to be some kind of phone/music player. I'd guess it'll be announced at MacWorld.
* Leopard, though not likely to be available until later in the year.
Then there's guessing.
* MacPro with Intel Quad cores making them extremely fast machines (as if they weren't already), also for the Xserve.
* Maybe (really hopefully) a 12 or 13" MacBook Pro. The only thing that lets down a MacBook is the graphics. It would be really useful to have a 12" MacBook for portability, but with the graphics power of the Pros.
* Video iPod with a touch screen, again maybe later in the year.
Only time will tell.
* There's the iTV (codeword, not product name) system - which looks like an embedded iTunes player with various media interfaces.
* There's going to be some kind of phone/music player. I'd guess it'll be announced at MacWorld.
* Leopard, though not likely to be available until later in the year.
Then there's guessing.
* MacPro with Intel Quad cores making them extremely fast machines (as if they weren't already), also for the Xserve.
* Maybe (really hopefully) a 12 or 13" MacBook Pro. The only thing that lets down a MacBook is the graphics. It would be really useful to have a 12" MacBook for portability, but with the graphics power of the Pros.
* Video iPod with a touch screen, again maybe later in the year.
Only time will tell.
Plastic Logic to build plastic displays
Digit Online
Platic Logic a company based in Cambridge is opening a factory in Dresden to produce flxible displays. These are similar to current TFT displays where the electronics (silicon)are deposited on to glass, but use semiconductor polymers in layers deposited on to flexible plastic sheets.
Current resolution is 150 dots per inch with 16 shades of grey (a 800 x 600 prototype was demonstrated in October of 2006) which will be produced in 2008 when the factory is in production, however colour displays will follow by 2010 with video capability in 2012.
They have raised $100m in financing.
This may well pave the way to truely portable ebooks and other displays and open up the market for portable display systems that have so far been limited to PDAs etc.
Platic Logic a company based in Cambridge is opening a factory in Dresden to produce flxible displays. These are similar to current TFT displays where the electronics (silicon)are deposited on to glass, but use semiconductor polymers in layers deposited on to flexible plastic sheets.
Current resolution is 150 dots per inch with 16 shades of grey (a 800 x 600 prototype was demonstrated in October of 2006) which will be produced in 2008 when the factory is in production, however colour displays will follow by 2010 with video capability in 2012.
They have raised $100m in financing.
This may well pave the way to truely portable ebooks and other displays and open up the market for portable display systems that have so far been limited to PDAs etc.
LG to show dual HD DVD/Blu-ray player
Digit Online
LG will demonstrate a dual HD DVD/Blu-Ray player at CES. HD DVD has been adopted by the DVD Forum and most Blu-Ray backers are already members so adding HD DVD to their drives should be possible.
HD DVD stores about 15GB per disk, while Blu-Ray allows up to 25GB per layer (50GB per disk).
This may kick-start the HD revolution, though consoles may initially drive sales.
LG will demonstrate a dual HD DVD/Blu-Ray player at CES. HD DVD has been adopted by the DVD Forum and most Blu-Ray backers are already members so adding HD DVD to their drives should be possible.
HD DVD stores about 15GB per disk, while Blu-Ray allows up to 25GB per layer (50GB per disk).
This may kick-start the HD revolution, though consoles may initially drive sales.
2007/01/02
Sony A100
The Sony DSLR-A100 is a 10.2MP camera. It's pretty fully featured and includes a very nice steady-shot system and a dust-removal system (that "shakes" or vibrates the sensor rapidly so dust particles fall off).
It fits well in the hand, with good access to the various control functions and a nice bright LCD (however it doesn't work for framing shots, you need to use the viewfinder for that). The only bad feature is that it feels very plasticy, the only bit of metal seems to be the front of the camera where the lens attaches.
The shutter delay is minimal (and really fast compared to compact digital cameras).
So far it seems a very good point and shoot that allows complete fexibility and lots of pro features if required.
It fits well in the hand, with good access to the various control functions and a nice bright LCD (however it doesn't work for framing shots, you need to use the viewfinder for that). The only bad feature is that it feels very plasticy, the only bit of metal seems to be the front of the camera where the lens attaches.
The shutter delay is minimal (and really fast compared to compact digital cameras).
So far it seems a very good point and shoot that allows complete fexibility and lots of pro features if required.
GMobileSync
GMobileSync
GMobileSync is a program to synchronise Windows Mobile 5 (Pocket PC and Smartphone) Calendar and Google Calendar using an Internet connection (which should work over WiFi, Wired or GPRS/3G).
Currently (v1.2) only supports a 1-way sync, but on Jan 8th v1.3 should be released which supports full 2-way synchronisation.
It's free and looks quite useful.
GMobileSync is a program to synchronise Windows Mobile 5 (Pocket PC and Smartphone) Calendar and Google Calendar using an Internet connection (which should work over WiFi, Wired or GPRS/3G).
Currently (v1.2) only supports a 1-way sync, but on Jan 8th v1.3 should be released which supports full 2-way synchronisation.
It's free and looks quite useful.
TalkCrunch » Blog Archive » Here Comes Adobe Apollo
TalkCrunch » Blog Archive » Here Comes Adobe Apollo
Sounds like a cool idea. Adobe already have the Flash base and can now expand on this to support other technologies like HTML, JavaScript and Ajax allowing a non-platform specific runtime that is platform independent.
If it takes off, buy Adobe shares as they'll be the default development platform of choice as they are now with Flash.
Sounds like a cool idea. Adobe already have the Flash base and can now expand on this to support other technologies like HTML, JavaScript and Ajax allowing a non-platform specific runtime that is platform independent.
If it takes off, buy Adobe shares as they'll be the default development platform of choice as they are now with Flash.
dodgeball.com :: mobile social software
dodgeball.com :: mobile social software
Only available in the US, if and when Google (who now own it) get their act together and make it worldwide then there's a good chance it will really take off.
Though possibly a huge market and room for other entrants in other countries if someone can get their act together quickly.
Only available in the US, if and when Google (who now own it) get their act together and make it worldwide then there's a good chance it will really take off.
Though possibly a huge market and room for other entrants in other countries if someone can get their act together quickly.
2006/12/19
Photoshop CS3 beta offers speed boost
Digit Online
Adobe have released a beta of Photoshop CS3. It will work for 2 days without a serial number, but it is completely functional. If a valid CS2 serial number is entered it will not expire (until the beta period ends in Spring of 2007 when the full product should be available).
It's a Universal Binary so will work natively on new Macs without going through Rosetta (Apple's PowerPC/Intel translator) which means a considerable speed increase.
It comes with Aobe Bridge and Device Central (which allows repurposing content to mobiles etc).
No pricing has been announced for the real product. Beta CS3 is also available in Windows format.
The biggest reason for Mac users not to upgrade has been the lack of Universal Binary Adobe products, this will not change and it'll be a good time to look for PowerBooks and G5's on Ebay.
Adobe have released a beta of Photoshop CS3. It will work for 2 days without a serial number, but it is completely functional. If a valid CS2 serial number is entered it will not expire (until the beta period ends in Spring of 2007 when the full product should be available).
It's a Universal Binary so will work natively on new Macs without going through Rosetta (Apple's PowerPC/Intel translator) which means a considerable speed increase.
It comes with Aobe Bridge and Device Central (which allows repurposing content to mobiles etc).
No pricing has been announced for the real product. Beta CS3 is also available in Windows format.
The biggest reason for Mac users not to upgrade has been the lack of Universal Binary Adobe products, this will not change and it'll be a good time to look for PowerBooks and G5's on Ebay.
ExpressCard 5-in-1 reader
Digit Online
GriffinTechnologies have announced an ExpressCard suitable for the Apple MacBook Pro that is a 5-in-1 memory card, it supports Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and xD-Picture card formats and other formats with adapters.
It costs £19.99 in the UK.
ExpressCard is really PCIe on a PC Card format but there is a shortage of products at the moment. Mac users are looking forward to 3G data cards coming out in this format.
GriffinTechnologies have announced an ExpressCard suitable for the Apple MacBook Pro that is a 5-in-1 memory card, it supports Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and xD-Picture card formats and other formats with adapters.
It costs £19.99 in the UK.
ExpressCard is really PCIe on a PC Card format but there is a shortage of products at the moment. Mac users are looking forward to 3G data cards coming out in this format.
Comments from Steve Kennedy - Wifi news, WiMAX news, muni WiFi and wireless broadband news in Fierce
Comments from Steve Kennedy - Wifi news, WiMAX news, muni WiFi and wireless broadband news in Fierce
FierceWiFi published some WiMAX related info in their newsletter, I commented and this was a comment to their new piece (and comments).
Thanks to Ben the editor for publishing them.
FierceWiFi published some WiMAX related info in their newsletter, I commented and this was a comment to their new piece (and comments).
Thanks to Ben the editor for publishing them.
2006/12/14
Digit Online
Digit Online
It's been a long time coming, but the RSC (Radio Spectrum Committee) which is made up of 22 EU member states has approved UWB in Europe. There are changes from the US approved version which was approved in 2002 (though no equipment is yet on the market).
Though the RSC has approved UWB it still has to go through EU formal legislation - which is expected in Feb 2007, member states then have 6 months to locally approve it.
It is still unclear on the restrictions that will be imposed on use, however it should allow short range equipment to operate at speeds of up to 480Mb/s suiting IPTV and other high bandwidth applications. It can be thought of as a short range wires replacement service.
It's been a long time coming, but the RSC (Radio Spectrum Committee) which is made up of 22 EU member states has approved UWB in Europe. There are changes from the US approved version which was approved in 2002 (though no equipment is yet on the market).
Though the RSC has approved UWB it still has to go through EU formal legislation - which is expected in Feb 2007, member states then have 6 months to locally approve it.
It is still unclear on the restrictions that will be imposed on use, however it should allow short range equipment to operate at speeds of up to 480Mb/s suiting IPTV and other high bandwidth applications. It can be thought of as a short range wires replacement service.
Ofcom Website | 1785-1805 MHz in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Ofcom Website | 1785-1805 MHz in Ireland and Northern Ireland
This is a 20MHz unpaired band. Ofcom are publishing regulations for the band in conjunction with ComReg in Ireland.
Licensees will have to co-ordinate with GSM 1800 users who neighbour this band.
This only covers Northern Ireland and Ireland.
This is a 20MHz unpaired band. Ofcom are publishing regulations for the band in conjunction with ComReg in Ireland.
Licensees will have to co-ordinate with GSM 1800 users who neighbour this band.
This only covers Northern Ireland and Ireland.
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